Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals
As the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder battled it out in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, concerns regarding the matchup’s small-market status seemed to correlate with disappointing viewership figures.
Viewership and Ratings
Broadcast on ABC, the opening game of the series drew an average rating of 4.7 and attracted 8.91 million viewers, marking it as the least-watched Game 1 since the Nielsen meter era began in 1988, excluding significant dips experienced during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
These figures represent declines of 18% in ratings and 19% in viewership compared to the corresponding Game 1 of last year’s Finals, featuring the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Highlights
Despite these statistics, the game itself was a thrilling affair. Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers executed a remarkable comeback in the final moments, taking the win and potentially boosting future viewership as many fans may have previously dismissed the series due to the perceived imbalance between the two teams.
“With Oklahoma City ranked 47th in market size and Indiana at 25th according to Nielsen, pre-game speculation about a lackluster viewership seemed validated, though Oklahoma City’s mayor had dismissed such concerns before the game.”
Financial Context and Engagement
Even with the decline in ratings, it’s essential to note the broader financial context of the league. The NBA recently secured a monumental $76 billion television deal spanning the next 11 seasons, reflecting a diversified revenue stream beyond just viewership numbers.
The league’s PR team underscored some favorable aspects of the broadcast, revealing that viewership peaked at 11 million during the dying seconds of the fourth quarter when Haliburton secured a dramatic win. The game also saw significant engagement among the crucial 18-to-34 age demographic and recorded a high volume of social media interactions.
Future Prospects and Series Dynamics
Looking ahead, while the Thunder entered the Finals as heavy favorites to take home the championship, their odds still reflect some vulnerability, suggesting potential interest for fans hoping to see either a comeback from the Pacers or a historic upset.
Despite being behind 1-0, the Thunder’s odds of -350 emphasize their dominance this season, further accenting the intriguing storyline of this Finals. The climactic nature of Game 1 may attract viewers who tune in to witness how the series unfolds, despite the initial ratings decline.
A closer look at the overall dynamics reveals that while the viewing numbers may falter, the excitement and engagement surrounding the NBA Finals continue to evolve, juxtaposed against the league’s bubbling anticipation for what is to come in this high-stakes matchup.
